Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a substrate including a display area and a peripheral area, a pixel area, a data driver, a data divider, and coupling lines that couple the data driver to the data divider. The pixel area includes first pixel lines in a first area of the display area and coupled to first area data lines, and second pixel lines disposed in a second area of the display area and coupled to second area data lines. The data driver outputs data signals corresponding to the first and second pixel lines. The data divider includes first selectors that transfer the data signals corresponding to the first pixel lines to the first area data lines, and second selectors that transfer the data signals corresponding to the second pixel lines to the second area data lines. A distance between adjacent second selectors is shorter than a distance between adjacent first selectors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2017-0148647 filed on Nov. 9, 2017, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to adisplay device, and more particularly, to a display device to whichtime-division driving for data is applied.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Display devices display images using light emitted from pixels. Organiclight emitting display devices include pixels, each having an organiclight emitting diode. With the implementation of high-resolution displaydevices, the number of driving circuits and various types of wires,lines, etc. included in display devices has increased. As the bezels ofdisplay devices become slimmer, less space is available to dispose suchwires, lines, etc.

A data divider may be utilized to control the output of a data driver indisplay devices that include an increased number of wires, lines, etc.The data divider may perform time division by dividing a data writingtime into time slots so as to reduce the number of output channels(wires or lines) of the data driver.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept are directed to adisplay device that secures sufficient design space in a peripheral areaof the display device by adjusting intervals at which selectors includedin a data divider are arranged.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, adisplay device includes a substrate including a display area and aperipheral area adjacent to the display area, and a pixel area disposedin the display area. The pixel area includes a plurality of first pixellines disposed in a first area of the display area and respectivelycoupled to first area data lines disposed in the first area, and aplurality of second pixel lines disposed in a second area of the displayarea adjacent to the first area and respectively coupled to second areadata lines disposed in the second area. The display device furtherincludes a data driver disposed in the peripheral area and configured tooutput a plurality of data signals corresponding to the first and secondpixel lines, respectively, and a data divider disposed in the peripheralarea between the pixel area and the data driver. The data dividerincludes a plurality of first selectors configured to transfer the datasignals corresponding to the first pixel lines to the first area datalines, and a plurality of second selectors configured to transfer thedata signals corresponding to the second pixel lines to the second areadata lines. The display device further includes a plurality of couplinglines configured to couple the data driver to the data divider. Adistance between adjacent second selectors is shorter than a distancebetween adjacent first selectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one corner portion of the substratehas either a curved shape or a diagonal shape with respect to the firstand second pixel lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, a boundary of at least one corner portion ofthe pixel area has either a curved shape or a diagonal shape withrespect to the first and second pixel lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one corner portion of the pixelarea corresponds to the second area.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second pixel lines correspondto respective pixel columns, and lengths of the second pixel lines areshorter than lengths of the first pixel lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, a number of effective pixels included ineach of the second pixel lines is less than a number of effective pixelsincluded in each of the first pixel lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the adjacent secondselectors is decreased at preset intervals in a direction farther awayfrom the first area.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the adjacent firstselectors is a first distance, and the distance between the adjacentsecond selectors is a second distance shorter than the first distance.

In an exemplary embodiment, with respect to a center of the first areacorresponding to the first selectors, a distance between adjacentselectors from the first selectors to the second selectors is decreasedat preset intervals in a direction farther away from the center of thefirst area.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first selectors and the secondselectors is a 1:N (where N is a positive integer equal to at least 2)demultiplexer configured to perform time-division driving for data.

In an exemplary embodiment, the 1:N demultiplexer includes N switchingtransistors that are respectively controlled in response to N selectionsignals having different timings.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the adjacent firstselectors and the distance between the adjacent second selectors arerespective distances between adjacent switching transistors in differentadjacent selectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, sizes of switching transistors included ineach of the second selectors is smaller than sizes of switchingtransistors included in each of the first selectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, a distance between switching transistorsincluded in each of the second selectors is shorter than a distancebetween switching transistors included in each of the first selectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling lines include first couplinglines configured to couple the data driver to the respective firstselectors, and second coupling lines configured to couple the datadriver to the respective second selectors. Distances between secondselector-side portions of adjacent second coupling lines are shorterthan distances between first selector-side portions of adjacent firstcoupling lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distances between the selector-sideportions of the adjacent second coupling lines are decreased at presetintervals in a direction farther away from the first area.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device further includes aplurality of additional coupling lines configured to couple the secondarea data lines to the respective second selectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first area data lines and the secondarea data lines extend substantially parallel to the first and secondpixel lines, and the additional coupling lines extend diagonally withrespect to the second area data lines.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, adisplay device includes a substrate including a display area and aperipheral area adjacent to the display area, and a pixel area disposedin the display area. The pixel area includes a plurality of first pixellines disposed in a first area of the display area and respectivelycoupled to first area data lines disposed in the first area, and aplurality of second pixel lines disposed in a second area of the displayarea adjacent to the first area and respectively coupled to second areadata lines disposed in the second area. The display device furtherincludes a data driver disposed in the peripheral area and configured tooutput a plurality of data signals corresponding to the first and secondpixel lines, respectively, and a data divider disposed in the peripheralarea between the pixel area and the data driver. The display devicefurther includes a data divider including a plurality of first selectorsconfigured to transfer the data signals corresponding to the first pixellines to the first area data lines, and a plurality of second selectorsconfigured to transfer the data signals corresponding to the secondpixel lines to the second area data lines. The display device furtherincludes a plurality of first coupling lines configured to couple thedata driver to the respective first selectors, and a plurality of secondcoupling lines configured to couple the data driver to the respectivesecond selectors. A distance between second selector-side portions ofadjacent second coupling lines is shorter than a distance between firstselector-side portions of adjacent first coupling lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, lengths of the second pixel lines areshorter than lengths of the first pixel lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one corner portion of the substratehas either a curved shape or a diagonal shape with respect to the firstand second pixel lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the secondselector-side portions of the adjacent second coupling lines isdecreased at preset intervals in a direction farther away from the firstarea.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first selector-sideportions of the adjacent first coupling lines is a first line distance,and the distance between the second selector-side portions of theadjacent second coupling lines is a second line distance shorter thanthe first line distance.

In an exemplary embodiment, a distance between adjacent second selectorsis shorter than a distance between adjacent first selectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device further includes aplurality of additional coupling lines configured to couple the secondarea data lines to the respective second selectors. The additionalcoupling lines extend diagonally with respect to the second area datalines.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept, adisplay device includes a substrate including a display area and aperipheral area adjacent to the display area, and a pixel area disposedin the display area. The pixel area includes a plurality of first pixellines disposed in a first area of the display area and respectivelycoupled to first area data lines disposed in the first area, and aplurality of second pixel lines disposed in a second area of the displayarea adjacent to the first area and respectively coupled to second areadata lines disposed in the second area. The display device furtherincludes a data divider including a plurality of first selectorsconfigured to selectively transfer data signals to the first area datalines, and a plurality of second selectors configured to selectivelytransfer the data signals to the second area data lines. The displaydevice further includes a plurality of coupling lines configured torespectively couple the second area data lines to the second selectors.The coupling lines extend diagonally with respect to the second areadata lines, and a distance between adjacent second selectors is shorterthan a distance between adjacent first selectors.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one corner of the substrate haseither a curved shape or a diagonal shape with respect to the first andsecond pixel lines.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second pixel linesrespectively correspond to pixel columns, and lengths of the secondpixel lines are shorter than lengths of the first pixel lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present inventive concept willbecome more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodimentsthereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according toexemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views schematically illustrating examples of asubstrate included in the display device of FIG. 1 according toexemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are views schematically illustrating examples of asubstrate included in the display device of FIG. 1 according toexemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are views schematically illustrating examples of asubstrate included in the display device of FIG. 1 according toexemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views schematically illustrating examples of thedisplay device of FIG. 1 according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventive concept.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating region “A” of the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiveconcept.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating region “A” of the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiveconcept.

FIGS. 8A to 8E are diagrams schematically illustrating examples of thearrangement of a data divider included in the display device of FIG. 5Aaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupling structurebetween the data divider and data lines included in the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupling structurebetween the data divider and data lines included in the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupling structurebetween the data divider and data lines included in the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept will be describedmore fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Likereference numerals may refer to like elements throughout theaccompanying drawings.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being“on”, “connected to”, “coupled to”, or “adjacent to” another component,it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or adjacent to theother component, or intervening components may also be present. It willalso be understood that when a component is referred to as being“between” two components, it can be the only component between the twocomponents, or one or more intervening components may also be present.

It will be further understood that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,”etc. are used herein to distinguish one element from another, and theelements are not limited by these terms. Thus, a “first” element in anexemplary embodiment may be described as a “second” element in anotherexemplary embodiment.

Herein, when two or more elements or values are described as beingsubstantially the same as, identical to, or about equal to each other,it is to be understood that the elements or values are identical to eachother, indistinguishable from each other, or distinguishable from eachother but functionally the same as each other as would be understood bya person having ordinary skill in the art. Further, when two componentsor directions are described as extending substantially parallel orperpendicular to each other, the two components or directions extendexactly parallel or perpendicular to each other, or extend approximatelyparallel or perpendicular to each other as would be understood by aperson having ordinary skill in the art.

As is traditional in the field of the present inventive concept,exemplary embodiments are described, and illustrated in the drawings, interms of functional blocks, units and/or modules. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that these blocks, units and/or modules arephysically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits such as logiccircuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits,memory elements, wiring connections, etc., which may be formed usingsemiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturingtechnologies.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a display device according toexemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, a display device 1000includes a pixel area 100, a scan driver 400 (also referred to as a scandriver circuit 400), an emission driver 500 (also referred to as anemission driver circuit 500), a data driver 300 (also referred to as adata driver circuit 300), a data divider 200 (also referred to as a datadivider circuit 200), and a timing controller 600 (also referred to as atiming controller circuit 600).

The display device 1000 may be implemented as an organic light emittingdisplay device, a liquid crystal display device, etc. The display device1000 may be, for example, a flat panel display device, a flexibledisplay device, a curved display device, a foldable display device, or abendable display device. Further, the display device may be applied to atransparent display device, a head-mounted display device, a wearabledisplay device, etc.

The pixel area 100 may be provided in a display area on the substrate.The pixel area 100 may include a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLn, aplurality of emission control lines EL1 to ELn, and a plurality of datalines DL1 to DLm, and may include a plurality of pixels P coupled torespective scan lines SL1 to SLn, respective emission control lines EL1to ELn, and respective data lines DL1 to DLm (where n and m are integersequal to at least 1). Each of the pixels P may include a drivingtransistor and a plurality of switching transistors. In an exemplaryembodiment, each of the pixels P may include an organic light emittingdiode, and may be implemented as one of a first pixel, a second pixel,and a third pixel. For example, each of the first to third pixels may beimplemented as one of a green pixel, a red pixel, and a blue pixel.Further, each of the pixels P may be implemented as one of a greenpixel, a red pixel, a blue pixel, and a white pixel. Voltages ELVDD andELVSS may be applied to the pixel area 100.

According to exemplary embodiments, the pixel area 100 is formed suchthat the boundary of a corner portion thereof has a curved shape.

The scan driver 400 may apply scan signals to the scan lines SL1 to SLnin response to a first control signal CON1 provided by the timingcontroller 600. In an exemplary embodiment, the scan driver 400 may beintegrated on a substrate.

The emission driver 500 may apply emission control signals to theemission control lines EL1 to ELn in response to a second control signalCON2 provided by the timing controller 600.

The data driver 300 may apply data signals (e.g., data voltages) to aplurality of coupling lines CL1 to CLj (where j is a positive integerless than m) in response to a data control signal DCS and image data RGBwhich are provided by the timing controller 600. The data driver 300 maybe integrated on a printed circuit film (e.g., a flexible printedcircuit film (FPC)) attached to (e.g., mounted on) the substrate, or maybe directly disposed on the substrate. The coupling lines CL1 to CLj maybe disposed in a first coupling area (a fan-out area, FA1) on thesubstrate, and in an exemplary embodiment including a printed circuitfilm, the coupling lines CL2 to CLj may electrically couple the printedcircuit film to the data divider. The fan-out areas FA1 and FA2illustrated in FIG. 1 are described in further detail below.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data divider 200 selectively providesdata voltages to the data lines DL1 to DLm coupled to respective pixelsP (e.g., in a time-division driving manner) in response to a selectioncontrol signal SEL. In an exemplary embodiment, the data divider includea plurality of demultiplexers. For example, each demultiplexer maytransfer a data voltage from a single output line (e.g., coupling line)to one of the N data lines through N (where N is an integer that isequal to or greater than 2, and that is less than or equal to 6)switches (e.g., metal oxide semiconductor [MOS] transistors). Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000time-divides the data voltage by the unit of data lines by driving thedata lines using a demultiplexer (demux) driving method, and thenproviding time-divisional data voltages to the pixels P.

The timing controller 600 may receive RGB image signals, a verticalsynchronization (SYNC) signal, a horizontal SYNC signal, a main clocksignal, a data enable signal, etc. from an external graphics controller,and may generate, based on the received signals, the first controlsignal CON1, the second control signal CON2, the data control signalDCS, and the image data RGB corresponding to the RGB image signals. Thetiming controller 600 may provide the first control signal CON1 to thescan driver 400, provide the second control signal CON2 to the emissiondriver 500, provide both the image data RGB and the data control signalDCS to the data driver 300, and provide the selection control signal SELto the data divider 200.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views schematically illustrating examples of asubstrate included in the display device of FIG. 1 according toexemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, a substrate 10 may include displayareas DA1 and DA2 including the pixel area 100, and a peripheral area PAdisposed adjacent to (e.g., disposed around) the display areas DA1 andDA2. Display area DA1 may also be referred to herein as a first areaDA1, and display area DA2 may also be referred to herein as a secondarea DA2. In an exemplary embodiment, the data divider 200 is disposedin the peripheral area PA of the substrate 10 on one side of the pixelarea 100.

The substrate 10 has a plurality of corners. The planar shape of thesubstrate 10 (or a panel) may be used to determine the planar shape ofthe display device 1000 or the display panel. In an exemplaryembodiment, at least one corner portion of the substrate 10 has a curvedshape that is convex toward the outside of the substrate 10. Forexample, the substrate 10 may have a rectangular shape having curvedcorner portions. However, it is to be understood that this structure isexemplary, and that the planar shape of the substrate 10 is not limitedthereto. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the substrate 10 mayhave the shape of a polygon, at least one corner of which has a diagonalshape with respect to a pixel row direction (or a pixel columndirection). Alternatively, the substrate 10 may be provided in any ofvarious shapes such as, for example, a closed polygon having straightsides, a circle or an ellipse having curved sides, and a semicircle or asemi-ellipse having a straight side and a curved side.

In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 10 may include a flexiblematerial. For example, the substrate 10 may be a polymer substrate,which may be implemented using a transparent insulating substrate suchas, for example, a substrate made of a polymer material havingtransparency and a predetermined flexibility. However, exemplaryembodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in an exemplaryembodiment, the substrate 10 may be a rigid substrate including a glassor plastic material.

The display areas DA1 and DA2 correspond to the pixel area 100 includinga plurality of pixels P. Accordingly, a predetermined image may bedisplayed in the display areas DA1 and DA2. The display areas DA1 andDA2 may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2disposed adjacent to the first display area DA1, as shown in FIGS. 2Aand 2B. In an exemplary embodiment, the first display area DA1 is anarea including pixels P which receive data signals from first selectorsincluded in the data divider 200, and the second area DA2 is an areaincluding pixels P which receive data signals from second selectorsincluded in the data divider 200. For example, the first pixel lines PL1included in the first display area DA1 are coupled to first area datalines, respectively, and the second pixel lines PL2 included in thesecond display area DA2 are coupled to second area data lines,respectively.

The first pixel lines PL1 and the second pixel lines PL2 may be definedas pixel columns that are arranged substantially in parallel to the datalines. A single pixel line refers to a pixel column coupled to a singledata line corresponding thereto. For example, the data lines DL1 to DLm,the first pixel lines PL1, and the second pixel lines PL2 extend in afirst direction DR1. The first direction DR1 is a vertical direction(e.g., a pixel column direction). Accordingly, the second display areaDA2 is adjacent to the sides of the first display area DA1 in a seconddirection DR2 (e.g., a pixel row direction or a horizontal direction)that crosses the first direction DR1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the first pixel lines PL1arranged in the first area DA1 are substantially identical to eachother. For example, since the lengths of the first pixel lines PL1 aresubstantially equal to one another, the first pixel lines PL1 mayinclude an identical number of effective pixels. The term “effectivepixels” refers to pixels that actually emit light to allow a user toview an image. However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventiveconcept are not limited thereto. For example, in exemplary embodiments,the lengths of the first pixel lines PL1 may be different from oneanother. For example, the lengths of some of the first pixel lines PL1may be different from those of the remaining first pixel lines PL1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the second pixel lines PL2arranged in the second area DA2 are shorter than the lengths of thefirst pixel lines PL1. Since the lengths of the second pixel lines PL2are shorter than the lengths of the first pixel lines PL1, the number ofeffective pixels included in each second pixel line PL2 is less than thenumber of effective pixels included in each first pixel line PL1 in anexemplary embodiment. In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B,in exemplary embodiments, corners of at least one of the pixel area 100and the second display area DA2 have curved shapes that are convex. Forexample, at the boundaries of the corners of the pixel area 100, animage may be displayed in the shape of a curved line. However, exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto.For example, in an exemplary embodiment, at least one corner of thesecond area DA2 has a diagonal shape with respect to the first directionDR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, at the boundaries of thecorners of the pixel area 100, an image may be displayed in the shape ofa diagonal line with respect to the first direction DR1 and the seconddirection DR2.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one corner portion of the substrate10 has either a curved shape or a diagonal shape with respect to thefirst and second pixel lines PL1 and PL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a boundary of at least one corner portion ofthe pixel area 100 has either a curved shape or a diagonal shape withrespect to the first and second pixel lines PL1 and PL2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the boundary between the second area DA2 andthe first area DA1 is not defined by the lengths of pixel lines (e.g.,the boundary between the curved area and the rectangular area of thepixel area 100). Rather, the boundary between the second area DA2 andthe first area DA1 may be defined by the first selectors and the secondselectors included in the data divider 200. For example, the first areaDA1 is defined by the pixels P coupled to the first selectors, and thesecond area DA2 is defined by the pixels P coupled to the secondselectors. The data divider 200 may be divided into a first selectorarea 220 including the first selectors, and second selector areas 240and 260 including the second selectors.

In the peripheral area PA, components (e.g., various types of driversand wires) for driving the pixels P may be arranged. The peripheral areaPA may be defined as a dead space (or a bezel) in which pixels P are notpresent, and may have a shape enclosing at least a part of the displayareas DA1 and DA2. In an exemplary embodiment, the scan driver 400 andthe emission driver 500 are arranged on at least one side of theperipheral area PA. The scan driver 400 and the emission driver 500 maybe integrated on the substrate 10. The scan driver 400 and the emissiondriver 500 may have a shape in which some portions thereof are bentdepending on the boundary shape of the pixel area 100. For example, someof stage circuits of the scan driver 400 may be arranged graduallycloser to the center of the pixel area 100.

The corners of the peripheral area PA have curved shapes depending onthe shape of the substrate 10. Therefore, linear parts of the peripheralarea PA, in which the scan driver 400, power lines, etc. are arranged,may have a first width d1, but curved corner portions of the peripheralarea PA may have a width less than the first width d1.

The width and space of the corner portions of the peripheral area PAutilized for arrangement of the scan driver 400, power lines, etc., inexemplary embodiments of the inventive concept may be narrowed more thanthe width d3 and space of the corner portions of a conventionalrectangular substrate, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. Accordingly, lessspace is available in the corner portions of the peripheral area PA forwiring and stable arrangement of driving circuits in exemplaryembodiments of the inventive concept compared to a conventionalrectangular substrate.

To account for having less available space in the corner portions of theperipheral area PA compared to a conventional rectangular substrate, inexemplary embodiments, the data divider 200 includes a plurality offirst selectors disposed in a first selector area 220 (see FIG. 2B) fortransferring data signals to data lines disposed in the first displayarea DA1 (hereinafter referred to as first area data lines), and aplurality of second selectors disposed in second selector areas 240 and260 (see FIG. 2B) for transferring data signals to data lines disposedin the second display area DA2 (hereinafter referred to as second areadata lines). In exemplary embodiments, a distance between adjacentsecond selectors included in the plurality of second selectors is lessthan a distance between adjacent first selectors included in theplurality of first selectors. Therefore, the horizontal length of spaceoccupied by the data divider 200 is less than the total horizontallength of the pixel area 100 (e.g., the maximum horizontal length of thepixel area 100). For example, the length of space occupied by the datadivider 200 in the second direction DR2 is less than the length of spaceoccupied by the pixel area 100 in the second direction DR2. Accordingly,in exemplary embodiments, the width d2 of the curved corner portion ofthe peripheral area PA provides sufficient space for the arrangement ofthe scan driver 400, power lines, etc. in the curved corner portion. Forexample, the width d2 of the curved corner portion may be secured as thelevel of the first width d1 or more.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first selectors and the secondselectors is implemented as a 1:N demultiplexer (where N is a positiveinteger equal to at least 2). The 1:N demultiplexer may include Nswitching transistors which are respectively controlled in response to Nselection signals having different timings.

A detailed structure and arrangement of the data divider 200 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11.

As described above, the display device 1000 according to exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concept are implemented using thesubstrate 10 having corner portions having a rounded shape (e.g., acurved shape). The display device 1000 includes the data divider 200 inwhich the second selectors are arranged at smaller intervals than thefirst selectors. As a result, the space horizontally occupied by thedata divider 200 in the peripheral area PA of the substrate 10 isgreatly reduced, providing space in the corner portion(s) of theperipheral area PA for the arrangement of various wires, lines, etc.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are views schematically illustrating examples of thesubstrate included in the display device of FIG. 1 according toexemplary embodiments of the inventive concept.

FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate only a part of a substrate 10 or 10C.Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, in exemplary embodiments, the substrate 10or 10C includes a display area DA including a pixel area 100A, 100B or100C, and a peripheral area PA disposed adjacent to (e.g., disposedaround) the display area DA.

At least one corner portion of the substrate 10 or 10C has a curvedshape. Accordingly, the space available into which lines, wires, etc.are to be inserted in the corner portion of the substrate 10 or 10C issmall compared to a conventional rectangular substrate, as describedabove.

The display area DA corresponds to the pixel area 100A, 100B or 100C,which includes a plurality of pixels P. In an exemplary embodiment, asillustrated in FIG. 3A, the display area DA and the pixel area 100A havea rectangular shape. For example, the corner portion of the display areaDA corresponding to the curved corner portion of the substrate 10 issubstantially right-angled, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the lengthsof pixel lines (e.g., the numbers of effective pixels included inrespective pixel lines) included in the pixel area 100A may be identicalto each other.

The data divider 200 may be arranged adjacent to one side of the displayarea DA on the substrate 10 or 10C. The data divider 200 may include aplurality of selectors, each being implemented as a 1:N demultiplexer,as described above. By adjusting a distance between adjacent selectors,the horizontal length of space occupied by the data divider 200 on thesubstrate 10 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A is less than thetotal horizontal length of the pixel area 100A. For example, the lengthof space occupied by the data divider 200 in the second direction DR2 isless than the length of space occupied by the pixel area 100A in thesecond direction DR2. Therefore, a sufficient amount of space in thecurved corner portion(s) of the peripheral area PA in which varioustypes of wires, lines, etc. are arranged is provided.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, a display area DAand a pixel area 100B have shapes in which only some, but not all, ofthe corner portions are curved. For example, in an exemplary embodiment,some of the corner portions of the display area DA corresponding to thecurved corner portions of the substrate 10 are formed to be curved, andthe remaining corner portions of the display area DA are formed to besubstantially right-angled.

The horizontal length of space occupied by the data divider 200 in thesubstrate 10 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3B may be less than thetotal horizontal length of the pixel area 100B. Therefore, a sufficientamount of space in the curved corner portion(s) of the peripheral areaPA in which various types of wires, lines, etc. are arranged isprovided.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, at least one sideof each of the substrate 10C and the display area 100C have a curvedshape. For example, one side of the substrate 10C and one side of thedisplay area 100C, which are adjacent to the data divider 200, may havecurved shapes. For example, the lengths of pixel lines may be shortenedat predetermined intervals in a direction from the center toward theouter edge of the display area DA.

Here, the data divider 200 may be arranged along the boundary of thedisplay area 100C. For example, a plurality of selectors included in thedata divider 200 may be arranged in the shape of steps at predeterminedintervals. In the substrate 10C in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3C,the horizontal length of space occupied by the data divider 200 is lessthan the total horizontal length of the pixel area 100C. For example,the length of space occupied by the data divider 200 in the seconddirection DR2 is less than the length of space occupied by the pixelarea 100C in the second direction DR2. Therefore, space in the curvedcorner portion of the peripheral area PA in which various types of wiresor lines are arranged may be sufficiently secured.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are views schematically illustrating examples of thesubstrate included in the display device of FIG. 1 according toexemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate only a part of a substrate 10D, 10E, 10F, or10G. Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4D, the substrate 10D, 10E, 10F, or 10Gincludes a display area DA or DA1 and DA2 including a pixel area 100D,100E, 100F, or 100G, and a peripheral area PA disposed adjacent to(e.g., disposed around) the display area DA or DA1 and DA2.

At least one corner portion of the substrate 10D, 10E, 10F, or 10G mayhave either a diagonal shape with respect to a first direction DR1 and asecond direction DR2 (see FIGS. 4A, 4C, and 4D), or a curved shape (seeFIG. 4B). Accordingly, the available space into which wires, lines, etc.are to be inserted in the corner portion(s) of the substrate 10D, 10E,10F, or 10G is small compared to a conventional rectangular substrate.

The display area DA corresponds to the pixel area 100D, 100E, 100F, or100G including a plurality of pixels P.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, corner portionsof at least some of the display areas DA1 and DA2 and the pixel area100D corresponding thereto have diagonal shapes with respect to firstand second directions DR1 and DR2. For example, corner portions of atleast some of the display areas DA1 and DA2 and the pixel area 100Dcorresponding thereto extend substantially in a straight line in adiagonal direction between the first and second directions DR1 and DR2.Corner portions of the substrate 10D correspond to the corner portionsof the at least some of the display areas DA1 and DA2 and the pixel area100D. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, corner portions of the substrate10D have corresponding diagonal shapes with respect to the first andsecond directions DR1 and DR2.

The display areas DA1 and DA2 may include the first display area DA1 andthe second display area DA2 disposed adjacent to the first display areaDA1 in the second direction DR2. The first display area DA1 refers to anarea including pixels P which receive data signals from first selectorsincluded in the data divider 200, and the second area DA2 refers to anarea including pixels P which receive data signals from second selectorsincluded in the data divider 200.

For example, the second display area DA2 may include pixel linescorresponding to diagonal corner portions on both sides of the firstdisplay area DA1. In this case, the lengths of pixel lines included inthe second display area DA2 (e.g., the numbers of effective pixelsincluded in respective pixel lines) are shorter than those of pixellines included in the first display area DA1.

The data divider 200 may be arranged adjacent to one side of each of thedisplay areas DA1 and DA2 on the substrate 10D. The data divider 200 mayinclude a plurality of selectors, each being implemented as a 1:Ndemultiplexer, as described above. By adjusting a distance betweenadjacent selectors, the horizontal length of space occupied by the datadivider 200 on the substrate 10D in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4Ais less than the total horizontal length of the pixel area 100D. Forexample, the length of space occupied by the data divider 200 in thesecond direction DR2 is less than the length of space occupied by thepixel area 100D in the second direction DR2. Therefore, a sufficientamount of space in the corner portion(s) of the peripheral area PA inwhich various types of wires, lines, etc. are arranged is provided.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, at least onecorner portion of the substrate 10E has a curved shape, and at least onecorner portion of each of the display area DA and the pixel area 100Ehas a diagonal shape with respect to a first direction DR1 and a seconddirection DR2. For example, the corner portions of the display area DAcorresponding to the curved corner portions of the substrate 10E havediagonal shapes. For example, these corner portions extend substantiallyin a straight line in a diagonal direction between the first and seconddirections DR1 and DR2. The horizontal length of space occupied by thedata divider 200 in the substrate 10E in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4B is less than the total horizontal length of the pixel area 100E.For example, the length of space occupied by the data divider 200 in thesecond direction DR2 is less than the length of space occupied by thepixel area 100E in the second direction DR2. Therefore, a sufficientamount of space in the diagonal corner portion(s) of the peripheral areaPA in which various types of wires, lines, etc. are arranged isprovided.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, at least onecorner portion of the substrate 10F has a diagonal shape with respect toa first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, and the display areaDA and the pixel area 100F have rectangular shapes. For example, thecorner portions of the display area DA corresponding to the diagonalcorner portions of the substrate 10F are substantially right-angled. Thehorizontal length of space occupied by the data divider 200 on thesubstrate 10F in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4C is less than thetotal horizontal length of the pixel area 100F. For example, the lengthof space occupied by the data divider 200 in the second direction DR2 isless than the length of space occupied by the pixel area 100F in thesecond direction DR2. Therefore, a sufficient amount of space in thediagonal corner portion(s) of the peripheral area PA in which varioustypes of wires, lines, etc. are arranged is provided.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4D, at least onecorner portion of the substrate 10G has a diagonal shape with respect tofirst and second directions DR1 and DR2, and at least one corner portionof each of the display area DA and the pixel area 100G has a curvedshape. The horizontal length of space occupied by the data divider 200on the substrate 10G of FIG. 4D is less than the total horizontal lengthof the pixel area 100G. For example, the length of space occupied by thedata divider 200 in the second direction DR2 is less than the length ofspace occupied by the pixel area 100G in the second direction DR2.Therefore, a sufficient amount of space in the diagonal cornerportion(s) of the peripheral area PA in which various types of wires,lines, etc. are arranged is provided.

It is to be understood that the planar shape of the substrate and thepixel area as described above according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventive concept is exemplary, and is not limited thereto.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views schematically illustrating an example of thedisplay device of FIG. 1 according to exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventive concept.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, according to exemplary embodiments, adisplay device 1000 or 1000′ includes a substrate 10 or 10′, a pixelarea 100, a data divider 200, a printed circuit film 30, and a pluralityof coupling lines CL.

The display devices 1000 and 1000′ of FIGS. 5A and 5B have asubstantially identical configuration, except for the arrangementlocation of the printed circuit film 30. Thus, for convenience ofexplanation, a description of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS.5A and 5B will be primarily made with reference to the display device1000 shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5A.

The substrate 10 includes display areas DA1 and DA2 including the pixelarea 100, and a peripheral area PA disposed adjacent to (e.g., disposedaround) the display areas DA1 and DA2.

The substrate 10 has at least one corner portion that has a curvedshape. For example, the substrate 10 may have the shape of a rectangle,and corner portions thereof may be formed to be curved. However, it isto be understood that this shape is exemplary, and that the planar shapeof the substrate 10 is not limited thereto. The substrate 10 may be, forexample, a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate. The display areasDA1 and DA2 may include a first display area DA1 and a second displayarea DA2 disposed adjacent to the first display area DA1 in a seconddirection DR2.

The pixel area 100 is arranged in the display areas DA1 and DA2 of thesubstrate 10. The pixel area 100 includes a plurality of first pixellines PL1 and second pixel lines PL2 extending in a first direction DR1(also referred to as a pixel column direction or a vertical direction).The first pixel lines PL1 are included in the first display area DA1 andare coupled to first area data lines DL1_j, respectively. The secondpixel lines PL2 are included in the second display area DA2 and arecoupled to second area data lines DL2_k, respectively. The first areadata lines DL1_j are disposed in the first display area DA1, and thesecond area data lines DL2_k are disposed in the second display areaDA2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the second pixel lines PL2are shorter than the lengths of the first pixel lines PL1. As a result,the number of effective pixels included in each of the second pixellines PL2 is less than the number of effective pixels included in eachof the first pixel lines PL1. The term “effective pixels” refers topixels that actually emit light to allow a user to view an image.However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept are notlimited to the configuration described herein. For example, the lengthsof the first pixel lines PL1 and the second pixel lines PL2 describedherein, and the separation of the first display area DA1 and the seconddisplay area DA2 described herein, may vary in exemplary embodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5A, the printed circuit film 30 isdisposed in the peripheral area PA on the substrate 10. The printedcircuit film 30 includes a data driver 300 that outputs data signalscorresponding to the first and second pixel lines PL1 and PL2,respectively. The data driver 300 may be integrated on the printedcircuit film 30 in the form of a data integrated circuit. The printedcircuit film 30 may be implemented as, for example, a Tape CarrierPackage (TCP), a Chip On Flexible Board (COF or Chip On Film), or aFlexible Printed Circuit film (FPC). The printed circuit film 30 may becoupled to a pad unit disposed in the peripheral area PA, and may beelectrically coupled to the data divider 200 through the coupling linesCL. Accordingly, the data driver 300 may be electrically coupled to thedata divider 200.

In an exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit film 30 may beimplemented as a flexible printed circuit film, and may be attached tothe substrate 10 in such a way that a part of the printed circuit film30 is bent toward the rear surface of the substrate 10 to enclose oneside surface of the substrate 10.

However, it is to be understood that this configuration is exemplary.For example, in exemplary embodiments, the data driver 300 may bedirectly mounted in the peripheral area PA of the substrate 10.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in exemplary embodiments, the data divider200 is disposed in the peripheral area PA of the substrate 10 betweenthe pixel area 100 and the data driver 300. The data divider 200includes a plurality of first selectors corresponding to a firstselector area 220, and a plurality of second selectors corresponding toa second selector area 240. The first selectors are disposed in thefirst selector area 220 and transfer data signals to the first area datalines DL1_j. The second selectors are disposed in the second selectorarea 240 and transfer data signals to the second area data lines DL2_k.In an exemplary embodiment, distances between adjacent second selectorsis shorter than distances between adjacent first selectors. Thedistances between the adjacent first selectors may be referred to asfirst distances, and the distances between the adjacent second selectorsmay be referred to as second distances. According to exemplaryembodiments, the first area data lines DL1_j and the first selectors maybe linearly and directly coupled to each other.

In exemplary embodiments, the distances between adjacent secondselectors is decreased at predetermined intervals in a direction fartheraway from the first area DA1 (e.g., in a direction from the center ofthe pixel area 100 toward the outer edge of the pixel area 100). Here,additional coupling lines ACL that couple the second area data linesDL2_k to the second selectors, respectively, are utilized. Theadditional coupling lines ACL are disposed between the second selectorsand the pixel area 100 in a second fan-out area FA2 included in theperipheral area PA. The arrangement structure of the first and secondselectors 220 and 240 will be described in further detail with referenceto FIG. 6.

Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments, the amount of space occupied bythe data divider 200 in the peripheral area PA of the substrate 10 inthe second direction DR2 may be reduced compared to that of aconventional structure, resulting in additional available space in theperipheral area PA in which other wires, drivers, etc. can be arranged.

According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of coupling lines CLis arranged on one side of the peripheral area PA of the substrate 10.For example, in exemplary embodiments, the coupling lines CL arearranged in a fan-out area (e.g., a first fan-out area FA1) locatedbetween the data divider 200 and the printed circuit film 30 (or thedata driver 300), and electrically couple the data driver 300 to thedata divider 200. For example, the coupling lines CL may be coupled to apad unit coupled to the printed circuit film 30. Distances between thedata divider-side portions of the coupling lines CL may differ dependingon distances between the selectors. For example, distances between thesecond selector-side portions of the adjacent coupling lines CL may beshorter than distances between the first selector-side portions of theadjacent coupling lines CL.

Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments, the amount of space occupied bythe data divider 200 in the peripheral area PA of the substrate 10 inthe second direction DR2 may be reduced compared to that of aconventional structure, resulting in additional available space in theperipheral area PA in which other wires, drivers, etc. can be arranged.Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive conceptprovide display panels having various shapes (e.g., a rounded displaypanel) without increasing additional dead space (e.g., withoutincreasing the bezel).

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, in an exemplary embodiment, wires included inthe fan-out area FA1 are bent toward the rear surface of the substrate10′ so that the wires enclose one side surface of the substrate 10′. Inthis case, the entire printed circuit film 30 may be attached to therear surface of the substrate 10′, allowing for the implementation of anarrower bezel.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating region “A” of the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiveconcept.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 6, in an exemplary embodiment, the datadivider 200 includes a plurality of first selectors 222 corresponding tothe first display area DA1, and a plurality of second selectors 242corresponding to the second display area DA2.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first selectors 222 and thesecond selectors 242 is implemented as a 1:N demultiplexer (where N is apositive integer equal to at least 2) that performs time-divisiondriving. For example, the 1:N demultiplexer may include N switchingtransistors that are respectively controlled in response to N selectionsignals CLA and CLB having different timings. For example, each of thefirst and second selectors 222 and 242 may be implemented as a 1:2demultiplexer having two switching transistors, a 1:3 demultiplexerhaving three switching transistors, or a 1:4 demultiplexer having fourswitching transistors. However, the configuration of the first andsecond selectors 222 and 242 is not limited thereto. FIG. 6 illustratesa case in which each of the first and second selectors 222 and 242 is a1:2 demultiplexer.

The first selection signal CLA and the second selection signal CLB mayturn on respective switching transistors at different timings.Therefore, time-division driving for data may be performed according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention.

A distance TW1 between switching transistors in each first selector 222is referred to as a first internal distance. A distance W1 betweenadjacent first selectors 222 is referred to as a first distance. All offirst selectors 222 have substantially the same first internal distance.Further, for all of the first selectors 222, the distances W1 betweenadjacent first selectors 222 has substantially the same first distance.However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept are notlimited thereto, and the first internal distance TW1 and the firstdistance W1 may differ depending on the first selectors 222.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first distance W1 and the first internaldistance TW1 are substantially the same as each other. In this case, alltransistors included in the first selectors 222 are arranged at regularintervals. In an exemplary embodiment, the first distance and the firstinternal distance may be different from each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the switchingtransistors in each first selector 222 may be measured as a distancebetween source electrodes or drain electrodes of the switchingtransistors in the second direction DR2. Further, the distance betweenadjacent first selectors 222 may be a distance between adjacentswitching transistors of the adjacent first selectors 222. Therefore,the first distance W1 may be measured as the distance between the sourceelectrodes or the drain electrodes of adjacent switching transistors indifferent first selectors 222 in the second direction DR2.

A distance between switching transistors in each second selector 242 isreferred to as a second internal distance. In an exemplary embodiment,the second internal distance TW2 between switching transistors in eachsecond selector 242 is substantially the same as the first internaldistance TW1 between switching transistors in each first selector 222.Thus, each of the first selectors 222 and each of the second selectors242 may have substantially the same size.

A distance W2 between adjacent second selectors 242 is referred to as asecond distance. All of the second selectors 242 may have substantiallythe same second internal distance TW2. Further, for all of the secondselectors 242, the distances W2 between adjacent second selectors 242may be substantially the same. However, exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, inexemplary embodiments, the second internal distance TW2 may differ foreach second selector 242, and the second distance W2 between adjacentsecond selectors 242 may also differ.

The second distance W2 between adjacent second selectors 242 may beshorter than the first distance W1 between adjacent first selectors 222.Therefore, the amount of space occupied by the data divider 200 in theperipheral area PA of the substrate 10 in the second direction DR2 maybe greatly decreased.

In an exemplary embodiment, first coupling lines CL11 and CL12 thatcouple the data driver 300 to the first selectors 222, and secondcoupling lines CL21 and CL22 that couple the data driver 300 to thesecond selectors 242, are arranged in a first fan-out area FA1. Each ofthe first coupling lines CL11 and CL12 includes a first selector-sideportion (e.g., a portion of the coupling line closest to the firstselectors 222) and a printed circuit film-side portion (also referred toas a data driver-side portion) (e.g., a portion of the coupling lineclosest to the printed circuit film/data driver). The firstselector-side portion and the printed circuit film-side portion extendsubstantially in the first direction DR1. Each of the first couplinglines CL11 and CL12 further includes a diagonal portion which extendsdiagonally with respect to the first direction DR1 and the seconddirection DR2 between the first selector-side portion and the printedcircuit film-side portion. The diagonal portion of each of the firstcoupling lines CL11 and CL12 connects the respective first selector-sideportions and the printed circuit film-side portions to one another. Eachof the second coupling lines CL21 and CL22 includes a secondselector-side portion (e.g., a portion of the coupling line closest tothe second selectors 242) and a printed circuit film-side portion (alsoreferred to as a data driver-side portion) (e.g., a portion of thecoupling line closest to the printed circuit film/data driver). Thesecond selector-side portion and the printed circuit film-side portionextend substantially in the first direction DR1. Each of the secondcoupling lines CL21 and CL22 further includes a diagonal portion whichextends diagonally with respect to the first direction DR1 and thesecond direction DR2 between the second selector-side portion and theprinted circuit film-side portion. The diagonal portion of each of thesecond coupling lines CL21 and CL22 connects the respective secondselector-side portions and the printed circuit film-side portions to oneanother.

In an exemplary embodiment, a distance LW2 between the secondselector-side portions of adjacent second coupling lines CL21 and CL22is shorter than a distance LW1 between the first selector-side portionsof adjacent first coupling lines CL11 and CL12. The distance LW2 betweenthe second selector-side portions of the second coupling lines CL21 andCL22 and the distance LW1 between the first selector-side portions ofthe first coupling lines CL11 and CL12 may correspond to respectivedistances between the coupling lines in the second direction DR2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance LW1 between the first couplinglines CL11 and CL12 is substantially the same for all of the firstselectors 222, and the distance LW2 between the second coupling linesCL21 and CL22 is substantially the same for all of the second selectors242. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance LW1 between the firstcoupling lines CL11 and CL12 is uniform, and the distance LW2 betweenthe second coupling lines CL21 and CL22 is decreased at preset intervalsin a direction farther away from the first display area DA1. In anexemplary embodiment, the distance LW1 between the first coupling linesCL11 and CL12 is uniform, and the distance LW2 between the secondcoupling lines CL21 and CL22 is increased at preset intervals in adirection farther away from the first display area DA1. In the exemplaryembodiments described herein, the distance LW2 between the secondcoupling lines CL21 and CL22 is shorter than the distance LW1 betweenthe first coupling lines CL11 and CL12.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, the distance TW2between the switching transistors in each second selector 242 is shorterthan the distance TW1 between the switching transistors in each firstselector 222. In this case, an area occupied by the data divider isfurther decreased.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the adjacent firstselectors 222 and the distance between the adjacent second selectors 242are respective distances between adjacent switching transistors indifferent adjacent selectors

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating region “A” of the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiveconcept.

In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are used to designate componentssimilar or identical to those described with reference to FIG. 6. Thus,a repeated description thereof will be omitted. The data divider of FIG.7 may have a configuration substantially identical or similar to that ofthe data divider of FIG. 6, except for the structure of secondselectors.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment, a data divider 200includes a plurality of first selectors 222 corresponding to a firstdisplay area DA1, and a plurality of second selectors 242 correspondingto a second display area DA2.

Each of the first and second selectors 222 and 242 may be implementedas, for example, a 1:2 demultiplexer having two switching transistors, a1:3 demultiplexer having three switching transistors, or a 1:4demultiplexer having four switching transistors.

A distance TW1 between switching transistors in each first selector 222is referred to as a first internal distance, and a distance W1 betweenadjacent first selectors 222 is referred to as a first distance.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sizes of the switching transistorsincluded in each of the second selectors 242 are smaller than the sizesof the switching transistors included in each of the first selectors222. A distance TW2 between switching transistors in each secondselector 242 is referred to as a second internal distance, and the sizeof each second selector 242 is less than that of each first selector222.

A distance W2 between adjacent second selectors 242 is referred to as asecond distance. According to exemplary embodiments, the second internaldistance TW2 is shorter than the first internal distance TW1, and thesecond distance W2 is shorter than the first distance W1.

Accordingly, the amount of space occupied by the data divider 200 in theperipheral area PA of the substrate 10 in a second direction DR2 isgreatly decreased according to exemplary embodiments of the presentinventive concept. Therefore, a sufficient amount of space in the cornerportions of the peripheral area PA in which various types of wires,lines, etc. are arranged is secured.

FIGS. 8A to 8E are diagrams schematically illustrating examples of thearrangement of the data divider included in the display device of FIG.5A according to exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8E, in exemplary embodiments, the data divider200 includes a first selector area 220 including a plurality of firstselectors 222, and a second selector area 240 including a plurality ofsecond selectors 242.

Each of the first selectors 222 and the second selectors 242 may beimplemented as, for example, a 1:2 demultiplexer (see FIGS. 8A to 8C), a1:3 demultiplexer (see FIG. 8D), or a 1:4 demultiplexer (see FIG. 8E).

The first selectors 222 are coupled to data lines that are coupled topixels included in a first display area DA1 of a display area. Thesecond selectors 242 are coupled to data lines that are coupled topixels included in a second display area DA2 of the display area.

According to exemplary embodiments, distances between adjacent secondselectors 242 are shorter than distances between adjacent firstselectors 222.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in an exemplary embodiment, distances W1between adjacent first selectors 222 in the first selector area 220 arereferred to as first distances, and are substantially the same as oneanother. Distances W2 between adjacent second selectors 242 in thesecond selector area 240 are referred to as second distances, and aresubstantially the same as one another. The second distances are shorterthan the first distances.

As illustrated in FIG. 8B, in an exemplary embodiment, distances W1between adjacent first selectors 222 in the first selector area 220 arereferred to as first distances, and are substantially the same as oneanother. In an exemplary embodiment, distances W21, W22, and W23 betweenadjacent second selectors 242 in the second selector area 240 decreasein a direction farther away from the first display area DA1. Forexample, the distances W21, W22, and W23 between adjacent selectors 242become shorter in a direction toward the outer edge of the displaypanel. For example, distance W23 is shorter than distance W22, anddistance W22 is shorter than distance W21. In the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 8B, distances LW21, LW22, and LW23 refer to distances betweenthe second coupling lines corresponding to the second selector area 240.

As illustrated in FIG. 8C, in an exemplary embodiment, distances W11,W12, and W13 between adjacent first selectors 222 become shorter in adirection toward (closer to) the outer edge of the display panel (e.g.,the substrate). Distances W21, W22, and W23 between adjacent secondselectors 242 also become shorter in a direction closer to the outeredge of the display panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximumdistance of the distances W21, W22, and W23 between the second selectors242 is shorter than the minimum distance of the distances W11, W12, andW13 between the first selectors 222.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8D and 8E, in exemplary embodiments, distancesW21, W22, and W23 between adjacent second selectors 242 in the secondselector area 240 are changed at preset intervals. In an exemplaryembodiment, the distances W21, W22, and W23 between the second selectors242 are decreased in a direction toward the outer edge of the displaypanel (e.g., in a direction farther away from the first display areaDA1). The distances W21, W22, and W23 between the second selectors 242are also increased in the direction toward the outer edge of the displaypanel (e.g., in the direction farther away from the first display areaDA1). Alternatively, the distances W21, W22, and W23 between the secondselectors 242 may be set through optimal arrangement within a rangenarrower than the minimum distance of the distances between the firstselectors 222.

Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept,the space occupied by the data divider 200 in the peripheral area PA ofthe substrate may be greatly decreased. Therefore, a sufficient amountof space in the corner portions of the peripheral area PA in whichvarious types of wires, lines, etc. are arranged is secured.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a coupling structurebetween the data divider and data lines included in the display deviceof FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiveconcept. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a couplingstructure between the data divider and data lines included in thedisplay device of FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent inventive concept. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exampleof a coupling structure between the data divider and data lines includedin the display device of FIG. 5A according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present inventive concept.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 9 to 11, the data divider 200 is electricallycoupled to data lines DL1_j and DL2_k included in the pixel area 100.

The pixel lines PL1 and PL2 (e.g., pixel columns) included in the pixelarea 100 of FIG. 9 are shortened in a direction toward the outer edge ofthe pixel area 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first area data lines DL1_j and thesecond area data lines DL2_k are arranged substantially in parallel tothe pixel lines (e.g., vertical lines or pixel columns).

In an exemplary embodiment, each first selector 222 is electricallycoupled to the printed circuit film 30 (e.g., the data driver 300)through a single first coupling line CL11, and each second selector 242is electrically coupled to the printed circuit film 30 through a singlesecond coupling line CL21. In an exemplary embodiment, a horizontaldistance LW1 between first selector-side portions of the first couplinglines CL11 is longer than a horizontal distance LW2 between secondselector-side portions of the second coupling lines CL21.

Each first selector 222 is electrically coupled to the first area datalines DL1_j. For example, a single first selector 222 may be coupled totwo first area data lines DL1_j. However, the number of first area datalines DL1_j coupled to the single first selector 222 is not limitedthereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the first selectors 222 aredirectly coupled to the first area data lines DL1_j. For example, thefirst selectors 222 may be arranged at intervals matching respectivefirst area data lines DL1_j. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, forthe first selectors 222, there may not be coupling lines which willmediate electrical coupling to the first area data lines DL1_j.Alternatively, the first area data lines DL1_j and the first selectors222 may be substantially linearly coupled to each other. Accordingly,the first selectors 222 may be arranged at substantially regular firstintervals W1 in accordance with the pixel columns (pixel lines) or thefirst area data lines DL1_j.

Each second selector 242 is electrically coupled to the second area datalines DL2_k. For example, a single second selector 242 may beelectrically coupled to two second area data lines DL2_k. However, thenumber of second area data lines DL2_k to be electrically coupled to thesingle second selector 242 is not limited thereto. Each second selector242 may be electrically coupled to the second area data lines DL2_kthrough additional coupling lines ACL included in a second fan-out areaFA2 of the peripheral area PA. In an exemplary embodiment, the secondselectors 242 are arranged at narrower intervals in a direction closerto the outer edge (e.g., corner portions) of the pixel area 100.Accordingly, mismatching may occur between the second selectors 242 andthe second area data lines DL2_k corresponding thereto. Therefore, aplurality of additional coupling lines ACL may be further included inthe peripheral area PA between the second selectors 242 and the secondarea data lines DL2_k. The additional coupling lines ACL may be arrangeddiagonally with respect to the second area data lines DL2_k.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the first display area DA1, the firstselectors 222 are directly coupled to the first area data lines DL1_j,and in the second area DA2, the second selectors 242 and the second areadata lines DL2_k are electrically coupled to each other through theadditional coupling lines ACL that are diagonally arranged.

Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept,the amount of space horizontally occupied by the data divider 200 in theperipheral area PA of the substrate 10 may be decreased, while the datadivider 200 may be stably electrically coupled to the data lines.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in an exemplary embodiment, all pixel lineshave substantially the same length.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, one side of thepixel area adjacent to a data divider 200 a has a curved shape. In thiscase, selectors included in the data divider 200 a may be arranged inthe shape of steps along the boundary of the pixel unit. Further, theselectors may be arranged at narrower intervals in a direction closer tothe outer edge of the pixel area from the center thereof. Further, dueto the difference in distance between the selectors, additional couplinglines ACL for electrically coupling the selectors to data lines DLcorresponding thereto may be further arranged.

As described above, the display device 1000 according to exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concept may be implemented usingvarious types of substrates 10, the corner portions of which have arounded shape (curved shape), a diagonal shape, etc. The display device1000 includes the data divider 200 or 200 a in which the secondselectors 242 are arranged at intervals narrower than those of the firstselectors 222, resulting in greatly reducing the amount of spacehorizontally occupied by the data divider 200 or 200 a in the peripheralarea PA of the substrate 10. Therefore, a sufficient amount of space inthe corner portions of the peripheral area PA in which various types ofwires, lines, etc. are arranged may be secured.

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept may be applied toany electronic device including a display. For example, exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concept may be applied to ahead-mounted display (HMD) device, a television (TV), a digital TV, athree-dimensional (3D) TV, a personal computer (PC), a home appliance, anotebook computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), adigital camera, an audio player, a portable game console, a navigationdevice, a wearable display device, etc.

As described above, the display device according to exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concept may be implemented usingvarious types of substrates, the corner portions of which have a roundedshape (curved shape), a diagonal shape, etc. The display device includesa data divider in which second selectors are arranged at intervalsnarrower than those of first selectors, and thus, the amount of spacehorizontally occupied by the data divider in the peripheral area of asubstrate may be greatly reduced. Therefore, a sufficient amount ofspace in the corner portions of the peripheral area in which varioustypes of wires, lines, etc. are arranged may be secured.

While the present inventive concept has been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it willbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changesin form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spiritand scope of the present inventive concept as defined by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a substratecomprising a display area and a peripheral area adjacent to the displayarea; a pixel area disposed in the display area, wherein the pixel areacomprises a plurality of first pixel lines disposed in a first area ofthe display area and respectively coupled to first area data linesdisposed in the first area, and a plurality of second pixel linesdisposed in a second area of the display area adjacent to the first areaand respectively coupled to second area data lines disposed in thesecond area; a data driver disposed in the peripheral area andconfigured to output a plurality of data signals corresponding to thefirst and second pixel lines, respectively; a data divider disposed inthe peripheral area between the pixel area and the data driver, whereinthe data divider comprises a first selector area comprising a pluralityof first selectors configured to transfer the data signals correspondingto the first pixel lines to the first area data lines, and a secondselector area comprising a plurality of second selectors configured totransfer the data signals corresponding to the second pixel lines to thesecond area data lines; and a plurality of coupling lines configured tocouple the data driver to the data divider, wherein the first area datalines connected to the first selector area are closer to a center of thepixel area than the second area data lines connected to the secondselector area, wherein each of the first selectors and each of thesecond selectors includes a same number of switching transistors and adistance between adjacent switching transistors included in each of thesecond selectors is shorter than a distance between adjacent switchingtransistors included in each of the first selectors, wherein theswitching transistors of the first selectors and the first area datalines are electrically connected one-to-one and the switchingtransistors of the second selectors and the second area data lines areelectrically connected one-to-one, and wherein the first selectors andthe second selectors are arranged on a same horizontal axis and adistance between adjacent second selectors disposed on the samehorizontal axis in the second selector area is shorter than a distancebetween adjacent first selectors disposed on the same horizontal axis inthe first selector area.
 2. The display device according to claim 1,wherein at least one corner portion of the substrate has either a curvedshape or a diagonal shape with respect to the first and second pixellines.
 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a boundary ofat least one corner portion of the pixel area has either a curved shapeor a diagonal shape with respect to the first and second pixel lines. 4.The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one cornerportion of the pixel area corresponds to the second area.
 5. The displaydevice according to claim 4, wherein the first and second pixel linescorrespond to respective pixel columns, and lengths of the second pixellines are shorter than lengths of the first pixel lines.
 6. The displaydevice according to claim 4, wherein a number of effective pixelsincluded in each of the second pixel lines is less than a number ofeffective pixels included in each of the first pixel lines.
 7. Thedisplay device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between theadjacent second selectors is decreased at preset intervals in adirection farther away from the first area.
 8. The display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein, with respect to a center of the firstarea corresponding to the first selectors, a distance between adjacentselectors from the first selectors to the second selectors is decreasedat preset intervals in a direction farther away from the center of thefirst area.
 9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein each ofthe first selectors and the second selectors is a 1:N demultiplexerconfigured to perform time-division driving for data, wherein N is apositive integer equal to at least
 2. 10. The display device accordingto claim 9, wherein the 1:N demultiplexer comprises N switchingtransistors that are respectively controlled in response to N selectionsignals having different timings.
 11. The display device according toclaim 10, wherein the distance between the adjacent first selectors andthe distance between the adjacent second selectors are respectivedistances between adjacent switching transistors in different adjacentselectors.
 12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein sizesof the switching transistors included in each of the second selectorsare smaller than sizes of the switching transistors included in each ofthe first selectors.
 13. The display device according to claim 1,wherein the coupling lines comprise: a plurality of first coupling linesconfigured to couple the data driver to the respective first selectors;and a plurality of second coupling lines configured to couple the datadriver to the respective second selectors, wherein distances betweensecond selector-side portions of adjacent second coupling lines areshorter than distances between first selector-side portions of adjacentfirst coupling lines.
 14. The display device according to claim 13,wherein the distances between the second selector-side portions of theadjacent second coupling lines are decreased at preset intervals in adirection farther away from the first area.
 15. The display deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of additionalcoupling lines configured to couple the second area data lines to therespective second selectors.
 16. The display device according to claim15, wherein the first area data lines and the second area data linesextend substantially parallel to the first and second pixel lines, andthe additional coupling lines extend diagonally with respect to thesecond area data lines.
 17. A display device, comprising: a substratecomprising a display area and a peripheral area adjacent to the displayarea; a pixel area disposed in the display area, wherein the pixel areacomprises a plurality of first pixel lines disposed in a first area ofthe display area and respectively coupled to first area data linesdisposed in the first area, and a plurality of second pixel linesdisposed in a second area of the display area adjacent to the first areain a first direction and respectively coupled to second area data linesdisposed in the second area; a data driver disposed in the peripheralarea and configured to output a plurality of data signals correspondingto the first and second pixel lines, respectively; a data dividerdisposed in the peripheral area between the pixel area and the datadriver, wherein the data divider comprises a first selector areacomprising a plurality of first selectors configured to transfer thedata signals corresponding to the first pixel lines to the first areadata lines, and a second selector area comprising a plurality of secondselectors configured to transfer the data signals corresponding to thesecond pixel lines to the second area data lines; a plurality of firstcoupling lines configured to couple the data driver to the respectivefirst selectors; and a plurality of second coupling lines configured tocouple the data driver to the respective second selectors, wherein adistance in the first direction between second selector-side portions ofadjacent second coupling lines connected to adjacent second selectorsdisposed in the second selector area is shorter than a distance in thefirst direction between first selector-side portions of adjacent firstcoupling lines connected to adjacent first selectors disposed in thefirst selector area.
 18. The display device according to claim 17,wherein lengths of the second pixel lines are shorter than lengths ofthe first pixel lines.
 19. The display device according to claim 17,wherein at least one corner portion of the substrate has either a curvedshape or a diagonal shape with respect to the first and second pixellines.
 20. The display device according to claim 17, wherein thedistance in the first direction between the second selector-sideportions of the adjacent second coupling lines is decreased at presetintervals in a direction farther away from the first area.
 21. Thedisplay device according to claim 17, wherein the distance in the firstdirection between the first selector-side portions of the adjacent firstcoupling lines is a first line distance, and the distance in the firstdirection between the second selector-side portions of the adjacentsecond coupling lines is a second line distance shorter than the firstline distance.
 22. The display device according to claim 17, wherein adistance between adjacent second selectors is shorter than a distancebetween adjacent first selectors.
 23. The display device according toclaim 17, further comprising: a plurality of additional coupling linesconfigured to couple the second area data lines to the respective secondselectors, wherein the additional coupling lines extend diagonally withrespect to the second area data lines.
 24. A display device, comprising:a substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area adjacent tothe display area; a pixel area disposed in the display area, wherein thepixel area comprises a plurality of first pixel lines disposed in afirst area of the display area and respectively coupled to first areadata lines disposed in the first area, and a plurality of second pixellines disposed in a second area of the display area adjacent to thefirst area and respectively coupled to second area data lines disposedin the second area; a data divider comprising a first selector areacomprising a plurality of first selectors configured to selectivelytransfer data signals to the first area data lines, and a secondselector area comprising a plurality of second selectors configured toselectively transfer the data signals to the second area data lines; anda plurality of coupling lines configured to respectively couple thesecond area data lines to the second selectors, wherein the couplinglines extend diagonally with respect to the second area data lines,wherein the first selectors and the second selectors are arranged on asame horizontal axis and a distance between adjacent second selectorsdisposed on the same horizontal axis in the second selector area isshorter than a distance between adjacent first selectors disposed on thesame horizontal axis in the first selector area.
 25. The display deviceaccording to claim 24, wherein at least one corner of the substrate haseither a curved shape or a diagonal shape with respect to the first andsecond pixel lines.
 26. The display device according to claim 25,wherein the first and second pixel lines respectively correspond topixel columns, and lengths of the second pixel lines are shorter thanlengths of the first pixel lines.